Ximena del Rio

Staff Writer

On the afternoon of Thursday, September 2nd, the interdenominational Christian organization, known as Cru, hosted a Sunset Rooftop Party on the Burke building’s parking deck. Cru is described on their website as a “caring community passionate about connecting people to Jesus Christ.”

According to the university’s online platform, BehrendSync, Cru’s mission is to provide a “safe environment for fellowship, encouragement, ministry training and outreach.”

It was evident that the organization constantly made an effort to welcome people from all walks of life, during and after the event.

This was supported by third year transfer student Rebekah Andrews, who expressed: “People are really nice, it is a great atmosphere and I felt really welcomed.” 

Furthermore, this event had something for everyone, including music, several games of cornhole, amazing snacks, plenty of frisbees and a telescope viewing of Jupiter and Saturn.

Ava Russell, a first year majoring in aerospace engineering stated: “This event is a lot of fun! I am very excited to peek through the telescope.”

This aspect of the event was the most popular, attracting a line that went across the parking deck, showing that many other people agreed with Russell.

One student, Ashley Sweeney, a first year engineering major was shocked by the experience, reporting: “This is the first opportunity I have had to look at the planets up close and I was in awe.” 

With the assistance of Professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Darren Williams Ph.D, the telescope viewing was an unforgettable experience for all the students that participated. In fact, the advertising for the event was very successful. There was a massive turnout at the party, with many people attending and participating.

Katie Sickelsmith, a first year majoring in mechanical engineering even said that she found out about the event via “the posters around Reed Union Building.”

Many students found out about the event from BehrendSync. This included Savannah Ricks, a first year computer science major and her group of friends, who planned their schedules so they could all attend together. All of this might not have seemed possible a year ago.

The return to in person events was a significant morale booster for many organizations on campus such as Cru.

Brady Doyle, a third year Biology major and a member of Cru, stated: “We absolutely love in person events! This one seems to be a success and we hope to keep the momentum going.”

He then added that “it is a great time to get people to hang out; new faces and old faces gathering together for a good time.”

Overall, the Sunset Rooftop Party was a memorable experience for all involved and a great introduction to what Cru is all about!